Monday, July 14, 2014

from cbc.ca
The iPad is a potential source of nickel allergy reactions, say pediatricians who suggest parents choose a metal-free cover for the electronics.

Allergic contact dermatitis is becoming more common in children, especially nickel, dermatologists say. In Monday’s issue of the journal Pediatrics, doctors in the U.S. describe the case of an 11-year-old boy with dermatitis that didn’t respond to standard ointment.

He tested positive in a skin patch test for nickel allergy. At an avoidance counselling session, doctors became aware that the family had bought a first generation iPad in 2010 and that the patient was using it more frequently.

After covering his iPad and avoiding nickel, including through diet, the dermatitis improved significantly for five months, Dr. Sharon Jacob of Loma Linda University in California and Dr. Shehla Admani of the dermatology department at the University of California, San Diego, said.

Allergic reactions to Apple laptops and iPhones have been reported, but the iPad hasn’t come up as a potential source of nickel sensitization in children before, the researchers said.

They suggested patients could reduce contact between skin and devices either by using a case or cover that is nickel-free or simply applying duct tape to create a barrier.

Doctors should also consider "metallic-appearing electronics and personal effects" as potential sources of nickel exposure, Jacob and Admani said.

In 2008, dermatologists warned, people who use their cellphones for long periods may develop a rash on their ears or cheeks.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

German researchers say that they have found a way to steal passwords stored on a locked Apple iPhone in just six minutes.

And they can do it it without cracking the iPhone's passcode.

Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute Secure Information Technology (Fraunhofer SIT) say that the attack targets Apple's password management system - known as the keychain.

Here's a YouTube video where the German researchers demonstrate their attack in action:

The only hint of a consolation is that the attack can not be done remotely - the attackers need physical access to your iPhone to steal information.

But if the attacker only needs to have his hands on your iPhone for six minutes, how much of a comfort is this really? Don't forget, it's not unusual for people to lose their mobile phones or leave them unattended on their desk while they pop off to the coffee machine.

According to material published by Fraunhover Insitute SIT, sensitive password information can be extracted from a user's iPhone without needing to know the passcode.

The researchers claim that all iPhone and iPad devices containing the latest firmware are vulnerable. At a time when Apple and its fans are pushing hard for more companies to bring iPhones into the enterprise there will undoubtedly be concerns if these vulnerability claims are found to be true.

All eyes must now turn to Cupertino to see what Apple has to say about this.